Mayor John Delaney made the final decision and announced the winning proposal Thursday. Explaining his choice, Delaney says, "I believe Stern has designed a classic building that is reflective of Jacksonville's timeless beauty." Groundwork for the 300,000-sf state-of-the-art complex is already under way. Three buildings have been cleared from the site, which neighbors Hemming Plaza. "The library is a perfect example of what a true government building should be," Mayor's office spokeswoman Sharon Ashton tells GlobeSt.com, "It invites everyone, young, old, rich and poor. It draws in people of every ethnic background. It is a beautiful facility inside and out."

As for the process, Ashton says the parking garage will the first to come out of the ground so construction crews will have a place to park and a staging place for equipment. While the mayor's office has not made a decision on a groundbreaking ceremony, the dedication ceremony is set for 2003.